On-farm nutrient cycling is a key way that farms can build resilience in the face of climate change. At this year's Spring Growth Conference, co-sponsored by MOFGA, Unity College and The Resilience Hub, participants will hear about historical trends impacting Maine's weather patterns and the theoretical opportunities for closing the nutrient loop. The keynote speaker is John Aber from the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of New Hampshire. MOFGA's organic crop specialist, Eric Sideman, will facilitate a farmer panel discussion of practices on the farm. Details and registration.

Organic and Sustainable Agriculture News

Monsanto wins dismissal of Maine organic growers’ gene-patent suitBangor Daily News - 2/28/2012.By Don Jeffrey (Bloomberg News) – New York: Monsanto Co., the world’s largest seed company, has won the dismissal of a lawsuit by growers of organic crops, including some from Maine, seeking to have its patents for genetically altered seeds invalidated. U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald in Manhattan threw out the organic growers’ lawsuit in a ruling dated Feb. 24, saying it represented no controversy and that she had no jurisdiction over the suit.

Judge sides with Monsanto: ridicules farmers’ right to grow food without fear, contamination and economic harmOrganic Seed Growers and Trade Association - 2/27/2012.On February 24, Judge Naomi Buchwald handed down her ruling on a motion to dismiss in the case of Organic Seed Growers and Trade Assn et al v. Monsanto after hearing oral argument on January 31st in Federal District Court in Manhattan. Her ruling to dismiss the case brought against Monsanto on behalf of organic farmers, seed growers and agricultural organizations representing farmers and citizens was met with great disappointment by the plaintiffs.

Judge dismisses organic farmers’ case against MonsantoNational Public Radio - 2/27/2012.By Eliza Barclay – A New York federal court today dismissed a lawsuit against agribusiness giant Monsanto brought by thousands of certified organic farmers. The farmers hoped the suit would protect them against infringing on the company's crop patents in the future.

Early sap? Go with the flowPortland Press Herald - 2/27/2012.By Beth Quimby – Michael Bryant usually starts tapping maples for his Newfield sugarhouse during the fourth week of February. This year he pushed the date up to Feb. 10. "This is the earliest since I started in the 1980s," said Bryant, a third-generation syrup producer and owner of Hilltop Boilers.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center, Unity. Keynote speaker John Aber and a panel of farmers focus on weather- and climate-related changes farmers are experiencing. Includes open discussion on strategies for farmers to deal with changing climate. Information and registration.

Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon, Houlton Higher Education Center, Rm 110, 18 Military St, Houlton. Presented by Eric Sideman, Crop Specialist, MOFGA. Hosted by the Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District. The class is the second in a three-part high tunnel series funded by the Broad Reach Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. 1 pesticide credit is available through the class. A complementary lunch will be served. Pre-registration is requested. Contact the SASWCD at 532-2087 x 101 or angela.wotton@me.nacdnet.net

11 a.m., Bernard Osher Foundation Auditorium, Portland Museum of Art. Join this panel of experts on local sustainability in their discussion of the importance of public food forests, public orcharding, edible street trees, permablitzing and community gardens. A Community Collaboration between Portland Museum of Art and MOFGA. Free for PMA and MOFGA members ($10 for the general public). Schedule and details.

Two-part course designed to provide farmers with a strong background in soils, weeds and pest management, enabling them to make good management decisions. Lectures by Eric Sideman, MOFGA's organic crop specialist, and local farmers. Information and registration.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locations: Palermo with Angus Deighan; Beech Hill Farm, Mount Desert with C.J. Walke; or Kermit Nickerson School, Swanville with Sean Murphy. Do you have old trees on your land that you would like to bring back into production? Learn how to renovate and tend your heritage trees. $50 non-members; $35 members. Information and registration.

6:30 p.m., Bernard Osher Foundation Auditorium, Portland Museum of Art. Hear Christy Hemenway from Gold Star Honeybees, Heather Spalding, MOFGA deputy director, and Fedco Seeds founder CR Lawn talk about our pollinators and the national and local issues that concern them and our food supply. Maine honey and mead tasting to follow. A Community Collaboration between Portland Museum of Art and MOFGA. Free for PMA and MOFGA members ($10 for the general public). Schedule and details.